Sidra Medicine Establishes Autism-Friendly Hospital Initiative

Creating a calmer and more accessible healthcare environment for children with autism spectrum disorder

1 April 2024, Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has established a Autism-Friendly Hospital Initiative (AFHI), designed to create a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The innovative program addresses the unique challenges faced by children with ASD during medical visits, including sensory overload, communication difficulties, and anxiety, all of which can hinder optimal care.

Dr. Finza Latif, Senior Attending Physician and Fellowship Program Director at Sidra Medicine said: “We introduced this initiative to address the challenges children with ASD face in healthcare. Between 2023 and 2024, we saw a 14 percent increase in admissions, highlighting the growing need for tailored support. Sensory overload, communication barriers, and anxiety can make medical visits overwhelming. By creating an autism-friendly environment and offering specialized support, we aim to reduce these barriers and ensure every child receives the care they need”.

Key Components of the AFHI Program:

• Autism Support Checklist: Parents provide key information on their child’s sensory and communication needs, which becomes part of the child’s medical record, ensuring healthcare providers are fully prepared.
• Sensory and Communication Tools: The program offers sensory toolkits and communication aids such as picture boards and apps to help children with language deficits communicate more effectively.
• Training for Healthcare Providers: Sidra Medicine has introduced online and face-to-face training for staff, including clinicians, nurses, and support staff, to ensure that they are equipped to provide autism-friendly care.
• Autism Program Specialist: The Autism Program Specialist coordinates care and staff education, ensuring every child receives the support they need.

Prof. Muhammad Waqar Azeem, Chair of Department of Psychiatry at Sidra Medicine said: “We are very proud of the initiatives we have in place to make our services more accessible for children with ASD. From designated blood draw days with trained phlebotomists to sensory toolkits and fast-track pharmacy services, every step is designed to reduce stress and improve their experience. We have even introduced dedicated parking to make hospital visits easier for families. Our goal is to create a truly supportive and inclusive environment for every child and their family coming to Sidra Medicine for care”.

The AFHI team at Sidra Medicine is led by Prof. Muhammad Waqar Azeem, Dr. Finza Latif, Dr. Alia Satti and Enas Hasab El Naby (Program Specialist). The initiative is based on the successful model developed by Boston Medical Center and adapted to Sidra Medicine’s needs through parent focus groups and staff feedback.

Sidra Medicine is committed to supporting children with Autism ASD through specialized care. Our Developmental Pediatrics Clinic provides tailored assessments and interventions, guided by a multidisciplinary team. Additionally, our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) offer expert care for mental health conditions related to ASD, such as anxiety and depression, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the child’s overall well-being.